Introductory liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for the clinical laboratory certificate program

Program description

This program was developed with clinical laboratory professionals in mind, particularly technologists who wish to be introduced to the principles, theory, and inner workings of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for laboratory analyses, as well as directors or supervisors who are considering bringing mass spectrometry technology to their laboratory and would like a primer course to the technology and its applications. The content of this program is at the basic level and covers the essential aspects of LC-MS/MS system and its applications in laboratory medicine. It would most benefit learners who have limited exposure to the technology through prior training or use or those who would like to gain understanding of the clinical aspects of LC-MS/MS. This certificate program was developed in cooperation with ADLM’s Mass Spectrometry and Separation Sciences Division.

Target audience

Lab Supervisors, Lab Directors (and/or assistant directors), Lab Managers (supervisory and/or non-supervisory), Medical Technologists

Learning objectives

• List the major clinical applications of mass spectrometry in clinical practices and describe the limitations and advantages of mass spectrometry.
• Explain the differences between gravimetric and volumetric measurement and show how to apply good measurement practices.
• Review appropriate selection and production of reagents and standard materials.
• Explain how to properly calculate unit conversions and dilutions and implement QA monitoring for MS assays.
• Explain the functions of HPLC system components and their basic separation mechanisms.
• Describe the components of a mass spectrometer, explain applications for different scan modes, and describe approaches for data analysis.
• Explain how to recognize and differentiate common sample preparation techniques and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of implementing manual vs. automated sample preparation protocols.
• Explain how to determine the proper ways for numerical data reporting using calibration curves and the integrity of the results.
• Explain what mass spectrometry specifications are important to consider when selecting an instrument, and the financial considerations for purchasing a mass spectrometry system.
• Describe the training plan components needed to meet guidance and regulatory standards and explain how to design essential tools to document training and competency assessment for a clinical mass spectrometry laboratory.

Courses & faculty

Please note that the affiliations listed were current at the time their lecture was recorded.

1. Why MS and Its Applications
   Yusheng Zhu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
   
2. Basic Laboratory Techniques
   Judith Stone, PhD, DABCC, MT (ASCP), University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA
   
3. MS-Grade Reagents and Internal Calibrators
   Frederick Strathmann, PhD, DABCC (CC, TC), ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT
   
4. Basic Calculations
   Steven Cotten, PhD, DABCC, FADLM, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
5. High Performance Liquid Chromatography Introduction
   Y. Victoria Zhang, PhD, DABCC, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
6. Mass Spectrometry Introduction
   Kara Lynch, PhD, DABCC, FADLM, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
   
7. Introduction to Sample Preparation and Basic Techniques
   Lorin Bachmann, PhD, DABCC, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA
8. Reporting Results
   Michael Wright, SEALS, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
9. Implementing Mass Spectrometry
   Deborah French, PhD, DABCC, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
   
10. Overall Training
    Shannon Haymond, PhD, DABCC, FADLM, and Faye Vicente, C(ASCP)CM, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL

Disclosures

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) is dedicated to ensuring balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. All participating planning committee members and faculty are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. The intent of this disclosure is to provide participants with information on which they can make their own judgments.

The following planners and faculty reported no relevant financial relationships:

• Lorin Bachmann, PhD, DABCC
• Steven Cotten, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
• Deborah French, PhD, DABCC
• Shannon Haymond, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
• Kara Lynch, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
• Judith Stone, PhD, DABCC, MT (ASCP)
• Frederick Strathmann, PhD, DABCC (CC, TC)
• Michael Wright, SEALS
• Faye Vicente, C(ASCP)CM
• Y. Victoria Zhang, PhD, DABCC
• Yusheng Zhu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM

Content validity

All recommendations involving clinical medicine are based on evidence accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for their indications and contraindications in the care of patients; AND/OR all scientific research referred to or reported in support or justification of a patient care recommendation conforms to generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Accreditation statement

This activity is approved for 12.0 ACCENT^® continuing education credits. Activity ID #4478. This activity was planned in accordance with ACCENT Standards and Policies.

Successful completion statement

Verification of Participation certificates are provided to registered participants based on completion of the activity, in its entirety, and the activity evaluation. The evaluation link will be emailed to the participants after all work within ADLM’s learning platform is complete. For questions regarding continuing education, please email [email protected].

Program Launch Year: 2016